Neutron activation analysis in geochemical characterization of Jurassic–Cretaceous sedimentary rocks from the Nordvik Peninsula

Abstract

As a part of geophysical, stratigraphical and paleontological study aimed at precise correlation of the Jurassic-Cretaceous (J/K) boundary interval in the Tethyan and Boreal Realms, detailed magnetostratigraphic and biostratigraphic profiles with well-calibrated J/K boundary have been selected from several localities for geochemical characterization. Instrumental and radiochemical neutron activation analyses (INAA and RNAA, respectively) were employed in the characterization of a vertical profile around the supposed J/K boundary in the Boreal Realm situated on the Nordvik Peninsula, Northern coast of Middle Siberia (Laptev Sea), Russia, for which an iridium anomaly has been reported in literature. INAA enabled determination of about forty major and trace elements. An RNAA procedure for assaying platinum group elements (PGE) has been tested consisting in sample decomposition by alkaline-oxidative fusion, reduction of PGE, and pre- cipitation of their sulphides. Despite several difficulties, the procedure enabled to found Pt and Ir at ppb and sub-ppb levels, respectively, in several samples, namely in pyrite aggregates originated probably in diagenetic reductive processes following decomposition of burried organic matter. However, the existence of a pronounced PGE spike reported previously for the J/K boundary on the Nordvik Peninsula has not been confirmed.